What Does the Timing Belt or Timing Chain Do?
What’s A Timing Belt?
Timing belt is a crucial system of the vehicle engine performance. It is responsible for synchronizing the movement of the crankshaft and the camshafts.
What’s A Timing Chain?
A timing chain performs the same role as a timing belt, but it’s made from metal instead of Kevlar or similar. Timing chains are also located inside the engine, where they’re lubricated by engine oil.
Does Your Car Have A Timing Belt or A Timing Chain?
Here are two easy ways to know if your engine has a chain or a belt system.For one thing,you can tell from your vehicle’s handbook whether the engine has a belt or a chain, although some makes typically use one or the other so you may know from this.For another thing,you can take a quick look at the engine. If it has plastic covers on the front, it runs a timing belt because the timing belt runs dry and does not need more protection. However, if it has a sealed metal cover (to prevent the engine oil from leaking) then it is a chain system.
Timing Belt Vs. Timing Chain : Which is Better?
Timing belts and chains are the mechanisms that connect the crankshaft. When you open your hood, you won't be able to see them. Timing belts and chains are always concealed beneath timing covers made of plastic or metal. These maintain the camshaft timing stable regardless of the environment outside the engine.
TIMING BELTS
Timing belts are made of rubber and reinforced with other materials like Kevlar to add strength and stretch resistance. Some advantages of timing belts are:
-When compared to the timing chain, the timing belt manages less power.
-Compared to the timing chain, it has a shorter life.
-It is more affordable.
-No lubrication is required.
-It has the potential to slip.
TIMING CHAINS
Timing chains are typically made of metal and have these advantages over rubber timing belts:
-It makes greater noise.
-Lubrication is necessary.
-Slippage is impossible.
-It costs more.
-It is more durable.
| Type | Timing Belts | Timing Chains |
Material | Rubber | Metal |
Cost | Cheaper | Expensive |
Longevity | Long | Last Longer |
Lubrication | No | Necessary |
Noise | Quieter and lighter | Greater noise |
Slippage | Potential | No |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Timing Belt Vs. Timing Chain
Timing chains are often preferred over chains, especially in newer vehicles,like toyota camry use camry timing chain. This is due to the longevity of timing chains. Both, however, have advantages and disadvantages.
| Type | Timing Belts | Timing Chains |
Advantages | 1.There is very little vibration and chordal influence. 2.Precise timing and registration with no loss of high torque carrying capacity. 3.The timing belt has a good slip-resistant engagement. 4.When properly serviced, belts have an efficiency close to 100%. 5.There is little noise. Service that is long, dependable, and problem-free. 6.Rust resistance. 7.Weight is saved. 8.Excellent resistance to wear. 9.It conserves energy. | 1.You do not need to replace your water pump while repairing a bad timing belt. 2.Timing chains are quite robust. 3.It does not expand. 4.There is no slippage. |
Disadvantages | 1.You should change your belt on a regular basis. 2.Some engines rely on the water pump. 3.Drivers must pay close attention. | 1.Expensive to buy. 2.Lubrication is required. 3.Hydraulic pressure is required for chains to function. |
Conclusion
Before you decide which is preferable, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of timing belt versus timing chain so you can make an informed conclusion.The only differences between timing belt or chain are their shapes and the materials they are composed of, as they both function in the same manner.Whether your car has a timing chain or belt, it's critical that you find any bad symptoms of timing belt or chain and take appropriate action. Any a timing belt failure can have disastrous results.
Can I Replace Timing Belt or Chain By Myself?
With patience and some free time, even a beginner can get this maintenance done.If you decide to attempt the repair yourself, consult your owner’s manual for any specifications, do research online to prepare for the repair and get all your timing belts and timing chains at Hexautoparts. Many timing belts can be purchased with accessory parts, like gaskets, pulleys, tensioners, and even water pumps, in a kit that makes the overall cost less impactful.
One very important step when replacing a timing belt is to carefully mark the position of the crankshaft pulley and the camshaft pulleys before you remove the original belt. You may also need to use a special tool to hold the camshafts in place.Good luck to every DIYers!
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